Mineola High School Boys Varsity hoops Coach Scott Donnellan begins his fourth season on the job with what he says is the deepest team from top to bottom that he's had. Donnellan says, "We have an excellent chance to get to the playoffs after three years of not being invited to the dance." In profiling his players, this is what the coach had to say about each of his young men:

Jerelle Harrison: Co-captain, third year varsity player and two-year starter at point guard. Offensively, he is a great passer with an explosive first step to the basket. Defensively, he has incredibly quick hands, averaged more than 5 steals per game last year. We will count on him for his senior leadership, maturity and scoring. He's the key to the offense. As Jerelle goes, so goes the team.

Dan Medlock: Co-captain, third year varsity player and two-year starter, who plays in the post. Although he's 6' 1", he has exceptional leaping ability and strong upper body, which allows him to dominate the boards. Last year, he led the team in scoring in non-league games. I expect him to have a monster year after coming off a football season in which he made all-county. He looks better than ever.

John Reicherter: Transferred to Mineola last year and after having a good summer league with the Mustangs, looks to contribute to the team in a major way. At 6'4" and 220, John might be the big man the Mustangs need. He's been working hard and should compete for major minutes.

Sean Bailey: First year varsity player, expected to make a major impact. He was one of the major components of the JV team the past two seasons, averaging close to a double-double. He will be counted on for scoring in the post and rebounding.

Patrick Cahill: First year varsity player, had major impact on the JV team the past two years. Looked at to score in the post, or take his game to the perimeter, where he can knock it down. In the hunt for a starting job. He's impressed the coach so far.

Rich Carter: First year varsity player at guard, will play a major role on both ends of the court. He had a great summer league, should be a major influence on how successful the team is this season. Good jump shot, excellent ball handling skills.

Rob Cerutti: First year varsity player, with unlimited athleticism. If we can harness that athleticism, he can be a major force. Had a solid summer league. Will play on the perimeter.

Anthony Cobb: After playing as a freshman and sitting out his sophomore year, he should provide some valuable scoring and passing from the perimeter. He seems committed to doing well.

Mike Destafano: First year varsity player, has been a major component to the JV the past two years and should continue to be a major force on the varsity. Brings athleticism and speed to the table along with a fearless attitude. He'll be counted on to play the perimeter and run some point guard, while anchoring full court press.

Kevin Franciotti: First year varsity player, has progressed nicely since his freshman year. Gives the team some size in the paint, will be counted on to provide rebounding, some scoring and tenacious post defense.

Tom Oswald: First year varsity player, played JV as a freshman, but sat out sophomore season. He's grown about five inches and put on about 20 pounds. Should be a contributor in the post and on the board.

Tom Owens: Second year varsity player, will be a major factor in the team's success. As a sophomore, got some valuable experience. Will be asked to provide consistent shooting and strong defensive play. Very intelligent player, with a good understanding of the game.

Derek Webber: First year varsity player, will play a major role on defense. Played post on JV, will be shifting to the perimeter on varsity. Counted on to do the dirty work. Selfless player, not afraid to dive on the floor, get some burns and flash the muscle, which he's put-on through a rigorous off season weight lifting program. If everyone follows his lead and plays with the same intensity, the sky's the limit.

Coach Donellan explained, "The keys to the season will be how well the newcomers perform on the varsity level. If everyone plays to their potential, the team gels and everyone leaves it on the floor, this team could be dancing in mid-February." The Mustangs non-league schedule is very competitive. They play in three tournaments, beginning their season with the Garden City tournament on Dec. 11. The Mustangs will also be playing in the Coaches Vs Cancer and Rocco Valvano Tournaments. The coach picks Floral Park as the toughest opponent this season. "They've go the whole team back after a 12-2 record last season, and have been picked by the coaches as the favorite," says Donnellan. The rest of Conference A III is made up of Bethpage, Bellmore JFK, Roosevelt, Island Trees and Valley Stream North. The top four teams will make the playoffs.

The Mineola Junior Varsity Boys Team is under the direction of Jason Sauter, who enters his second season. The Mustang JV squad is made up of seven freshman, five sophomores and one junior. Coach Sauter says he wants to focus on basketball basics. "We need to build a winning attitude, focus on the team concept and learn the fundamentals," he said. Like Coach Donnellan on the varsity, Sauter too expects Floral Park to be the class of the league, with a number of returning sophomores. In profiling some of his players, Sauter had this to say of his three returning sophomores:

Nelson Lopes: Fast, strong, very strong defensive player.

John Cloghessy: Hard working, good shooter.

Mike Santopetro: Very coachable and hard working.

Among the newcomers, Coach Sauter points to Robert Maloney, Claudio Saavedra, Marc Dadich and Bret Parsons as players he hopes will contribute nicely. Others who will also get their chance to break into the line-up are Albin Abraham, Claudio Dematos, Mick Oswald, Fred Usma, John Urrea and Sanjeev Ramlochan.